A lightweight model for rapid visual drafts and reference image editing
nano-banana-2-lite:official is a lightweight image creation model in the Google Nano Banana series, suitable for generating images from text and adjusting subjects, backgrounds, and styles with reference images. Positioned for 1K image creation, it focuses on concept drafts, asset variations, and interactive editing. For workflows that need to establish composition and visual direction before producing refined final work, Lite is a practical starting point.
Input parameters and result formats vary by service. Use the public API for this model and follow its guide for generation, task retrieval and editing operations.
Specifications and interface features
Model positioning
Google Gemini 3.1 lightweight image creation model
Output resolution
1K
Creation modes
generate text-to-image; edit image editing
Reference method
Submit reference images through image_urls, combined with text editing instructions
Aspect ratio options
1:1、3:2、2:3、16:9、9:16、4:3、3:4
Result delivery
Image URL, task_id, and trace_id
Task processing
Supports async and callback_url
Lite is positioned for 1K image creation; aspect ratios, task processing, and result fields are used according to this platform's image endpoint.
Core capabilities
Turn text briefs into visual drafts
Organize prompts with descriptions of the subject, environment, lighting, composition, and style, and Lite can be used to explore different visual directions for the same idea. It is well suited to validating visual relationships early in the design process, such as comparing centered versus side-positioned products or bright versus dark backgrounds, rather than placing the entire task burden on a refined final result from the start.
Modify images around reference pictures
When editing, provide the original image and distinguish in the prompt between elements to retain and elements to change—for example, keep the cup's shape and color while replacing only the tabletop and background. Multi-image combinations allow assets such as subjects and scenes to participate in creation together; clearly stating the purpose of each reference image helps reduce element mixing.
Adapt to different display layouts
Seven aspect ratios cover square assets, landscape covers, and portrait displays. When choosing a ratio, describe both the subject position and the direction of negative space—for example, place the person lower in a portrait image and leave space at the top for a title. This designs the composition during generation rather than mechanically cropping the same image into different layouts.
Applicable Scenarios
Product Scene Drafts
Provide a product reference image, describe scenes such as a wooden table, by a window, or a minimalist interior, and require the product outline and main colors to be retained. The deliverable is a set of scene candidate images for discussion, making it easier for the team to compare backgrounds, lighting, and placement. When details such as packaging text or port locations are involved, they should be checked item by item against the physical product.
Event Visual Direction Exploration
Provide the event theme, brand colors, and target canvas size; first generate cover images or poster backgrounds with different compositions, then adjust the atmosphere and elements around the selected direction. Lite is better suited for producing visual concept candidates; formal titles, dates, and rule text can be added during the layout stage to avoid making image generation responsible for all text proofreading.
Continuous Editing of Reference Characters
Use the same character image as a reference, separately describe changes to the background, clothing colors, or visual style, and create drafts for stickers, mood images, and content illustrations. Clearly specify that facial features and key identifiers should be retained in every round, and check whether the result has deviated from the original design; reference images can help maintain the character's appearance, but do not lock every detail in place.
How to Choose This Model
Validate the Direction First, Choose Lite
If the task focuses on finding the right composition, color palette, and scene, and 1K images are sufficient for preview and discussion, Lite can be prioritized. It is in a different tier from nano-banana-2: Lite emphasizes lightweight creation and rapid validation, while nano-banana-2 is a more balanced option. Choose based on delivery requirements rather than treating the two names as the same model.
For High-Resolution Final Output, Consider Pro
If 2K or 4K delivery, complex detail presentation, or more refined brand visuals are needed, consider nano-banana-pro. Do not substitute for an upgrade by setting a higher resolution value for Lite. A more practical workflow is to use Lite to validate the concept first, then provide the selected composition requirements and reference materials to a model suitable for final production.
Get Started
First Determine Whether to Generate or Edit
Choose generate for text-based creation; choose edit to modify existing assets, provide reference images with image_urls, and separately explain what to retain and what to change.
Select the Full ID and Canvas Size
For /nano-banana/images, specify model=nano-banana-2-lite:official, action, and prompt; start with aspect_ratio=1:1, resolution=1K, and count=1; do not select 2K/4K for Lite.
Save the Result Before the Next Editing Round
Retrieve the image from data[].image_url; for asynchronous processing, query with task_id or receive a callback. When continuing edits, submit the selected image again and narrow the scope of changes in each round.
Trial suggestion: social thumbnail draft
Input and goal
Create a square knowledge-sharing thumbnail with a bright yellow desk lamp and a closed book in the center, a blue background, clear empty space reserved on the right, and no long blocks of text.
Acceptance and next steps
Keep 1K and a simple layout, and use a small number of options to judge recognizability before clicking; count should not be interpreted as a guarantee of multi-reference editing or multi-round consistency.
Usage boundaries
Lite output is positioned at 1K and is not suitable as a direct final product for high-resolution printing, large-format display, or images with dense details. Even if enlarged later, this does not guarantee the restoration of real details; when delivery size requirements are high, choose an appropriate model from the creation stage.
Image editing is not a strict lock on the original image pixels. When replacing backgrounds, clothing, or materials, subject edges, textures, and local structures may change accordingly. For tasks with high requirements for product authenticity, check logos, the number of accessories, proportions, and key shapes; do not look only at the overall atmosphere.
When calling, use model=nano-banana-2-lite:official, and explicitly specify generate or edit; editing also requires reference images and modification instructions. Results are delivered as image links, not editable layered files, so subsequent precise layout and local retouching still need to be completed with image tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tasks is nano-banana-2-lite:official suitable for?
It is suitable for 1K visual drafts, product scene-change mockups, campaign asset exploration, and reference image editing. It is especially useful for workflows that compare multiple creative directions before deciding on a final solution. If the task mainly evaluates print dimensions or extremely fine textures, higher-resolution models should be considered first.
Can Lite generate 2K or 4K images?
Lite is intended for 1K image creation and 2K or 4K should not be treated as available output tiers. When higher resolution is needed, choose a model that supports the corresponding size, such as nano-banana-pro; changing only the resolution value in the request cannot replace model capabilities.
How do I modify the background using a reference image while preserving the subject?
Use the edit action, place the reference image in image_urls, and clearly state in the prompt which subject features must be preserved and what needs to change in the background. Avoid changing too many attributes at once; complete the scene change first, then check whether the subject's outline, color, and details have changed in unwanted ways.
Is changing only the aspect ratio enough when generating landscape and portrait images?
You should also adjust the composition instructions accordingly. For landscape images, emphasize left and right whitespace and the expanded environment; for portrait images, emphasize the subject's vertical position and space at the top. Lite provides seven aspect ratios, so choose a frame that fits the display placement and then describe the element layout, which is more targeted than cropping after generation.
How do I integrate it and obtain generated results?
Send a POST request to /nano-banana/images, specifying the model, action, and prompt; add image_urls when editing. The response provides a task identifier and image_url in data, which can be used for display or download. For asynchronous processing, use async and callback_url to arrange result delivery.